French is one of the most critical languages in the world. As a result, French translation services are in high demand. CBC News reported recently that St. John’s International Airport in Canada decided it needed better French translation after being fined for mistranslated French messages and signs. French is also essential for international businesses. In 2011, a Bloomberg Rankings report named French as the 2nd most powerful foreign language for businesses (not including English). Here are five facts that show why:
French Translation Fact #1: 300 Million Speakers
Currently, there are over 300 million French speakers in the world. People fluent in French are commonly referred to as “Francophones.” Approximately 40% of francophones live in Europe. Additionally, 20% of EU citizens report knowing how to speak French, making it the third-most-understood language in the continent.
French Translation Fact #2: French Is Official
In 29 countries, French is recognized as an official language. Many of them are former French colonies. For example, in addition to France, French is an official language in the countries of Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Congo, Mali, and Senegal.
French Translation Fact #3: It’s Spoken In The U.S.
It’s interesting to know that some states in the U.S. have native speakers of a French dialect. Francophones can be found in Louisiana, Vermont, Michigan, Maine, North Dakota, Missouri, and Massachusetts. French is also spoken in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
#4. French Was Not The Original Language In France
Before French became the official language of France, the nation spoke Latin. Most locals did not speak French until after the French Revolution ended in 1799. This is surprising considering that the French Academy, the council that governs the use of the French language, was founded in the 1600s, long before the government decreed that French be the country’s official language.
#5. French Language Day
UN French Language Day is observed annually on 20 March. The United Nations celebrates six “Language Days” each year, dedicated to the six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
French Translation Services at Language Connections
Are you looking for language translation services? The French translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional translation and interpreting services. We translate and interpret both from and into French. Our French specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas so that we can complete the projects perfectly in most industries. If you have any questions about French medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or others, please reach out.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
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